Advocacy Coalition Framework and the Wicked Problem of Traffic Congestion in Nairobi City County Kenya

Purpose of Study: This study investigates the influence of the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) on the wicked problem of traffic congestion in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Specifically, it examines how media advocacy—a core ACF component—shapes policy responses to this complex, intractable urban transport challenge. Methodology: Grounded in Complexity Theory and pragmatism, the study adopted a descriptive design. Data were collected from 168 transport sector stakeholders using simple random and stratified sampling. Semi-structured questionnaires and interview schedules achieved an 81.5% response rate (n=137). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: Media advocacy demonstrated a statistically significant strong positive correlation with addressing traffic congestion (r=0.736, p<0.01)—the highest among all ACF constructs. Regression analysis confirmed media advocacy as the most influential predictor (β=0.312, t=4.417, p<0.001). Descriptive results showed strong agreement that media advocacy creates stakeholder awareness (mean=4.21, highest), pushes county government into action (mean=4.18), prompts solutions via incident-driven coverage (mean=4.17), utilizes multiple media tools (mean=4.16), holds power accountable (mean=4.15), and disseminates timely information (mean=4.13). Congruent, intense, sustained coverage compels actionable policy measures on traffic management. Conclusion: Media advocacy is the most influential ACF component in addressing traffic congestion in Nairobi County. It creates awareness, holds power accountable, disseminates information, and drives stakeholder mobilization. Strategic, sustained, multi-platform media engagement is the most potent tool for advocacy coalitions seeking durable transport policy reform in Nairobi.